News and reviews of made on Maui products and Maui-based companies and success stories. Also featuring island shopping guides

Part 1 – Gift and Clothes Boutiques of Makawao (plus, an apothecary!)

The unique thing about writing a ‘shop local’ blog about Hawaii is that there is a mix of residents and visitors reading these posts. Last week, I went to have a look around Makawao town to see which shops offer ‘made on maui’ products. But first, I need to briefly introduce Makawao.

If you live here: You know that Makawao has great shops and restaurants, but did you know that most of the shops carry locally-made products? Its a great place to ‘shop local/buy local’, and if you make products, a great place to sell them!

So, here is a virtual tour/ shop local guide to Makawao, Maui, Hawaii, listed by type, in alphabetical order: (and, how to get in touch with/follow them)

Apothecary:

The Dragon’s Den is worth a stop for residents and visitors – they carry “organic herbs and herbal formulations for general wellness and specific conditions, patent Chinese Formulas, supplements, crystals, incense, superfoods, gifts and more.” Their staff is friendly and helpful, and this year, the shop is celebrating their 25 anniversary, with a day of special events on Saturday, September 21, 2013.

Boutiques (clothing/gifts):

In 1975, Collections opened as a consignment shop, and after some time, transitioned into a retail boutique focused on fine women’s clothing, home furnishings, and gift items. Collections carries jewelry by local designers including KEANI Jewelry and Maui Dive Girl, soaps, Kula Cushions eye pillow (filled with delicious-smelling lavender!), Maui Dog Treats, and a wide selection of greeting cards, one of the products for which Collections is known!

Designing Wahine Emporium (and sister store Hale Zen in Lahaina) carry a diverse selection of locally made items, including jewelry, baby gifts, home accessories, food gifts, and bath and body. Among the popular locally-made or designed items are jewelry by Free to be me and Hula Hoops Maui, annie fischer pillows, painted wooden signs in Hawaiian by ‘Opihi Maui, eskyflavor trucker hats, beautiful textiles by Tiare Style and Maui Potpourri, Ergo Baby Carriers and their own line of bu tiki clothes.

Maui’s Must Have Hat- Esky Flavor – The exclusive upcountry store to carry this hat

everything about this store beckons you inside…

A great selection of baby and kids clothes and gifts

You can’t miss this store while driving up Baldwin Avenue

Textiles by Tiare Style

Gorgeous selection of locally made jewelry

Holiday & Co – (follow on instagram @ holidayandcomaui)

This boutique has a great blend of high-quality women’s clothing and fun gift items. It also carries three amazing but hard-to-find made on Maui products – textiles (including scarves, clutches and more) by Palapala Designs and lap quilts by Hali’i by Harriet, and the awesome soaps by Shaka Street Soap Company.

Most of the items in this shop are conceived, designed, and crafted by the owner, Jeanette. Jeanette started creating jewelry over 25 years ago, and she now specializes in colorful batik women’s and children’s clothing.